Gonzalo Higuain hat-trick leads Argentina rout of South Korea

Argentina 4-1 South Korea: The first hat-trick of World Cup 2010 from
Gonzalo Higuain ensured Argentina routed South Korea to move within touching distance of the last-16.

Gonzalo Higuain celebrates after scoring against South Korea in World Cup Group B

The Real Madrid marksman netted once in the first half and then twice more after the break as the South Americans cruised to a second successive win that virtually seals their place in the next round.

Argentina’s opening goal came after Chu-Young Park put through his own net, and Chung-Yong Lee got South Korea’s reply on the stroke of half-time.

In the first period, Diego Maradona ‘s side dominated with some slick, scintillating passing football and were rewarded inside 16 minutes when a cross from Lionel Messi deceived the Korean defence and ricocheted in off Park.

The lead was doubled in the 33rd minute when Higuain headed home at the far post.

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At the other end, a series of good saves from goalkeeper Sung-Ryong Jung was keeping Korea in the game and the tide looked to be turning when Martin Demicheliswas caught in possession and Chung-Yong nipped in to chip delicately over the advancing Sergio Romero.

The Koreans had a great chance to level the match early in the second half when Yeom Ki-Hun raced into the box, but he snatched his effort wide of the near post.

With the underdogs pressing hard for an equaliser the game got more stretched with chances at both ends, but it was the Argentineans who scored twice in quick succession with just over ten minutes to go to effectively end the game.

First, Messi drove into the box after exchanging passes with Sergio Aguero and saw his shot saved by the impressive Jung.

The Barca forward’s rebound hit the post and rolled across the line for Higuain to poke home.

And the Madrid man completed his hat-trick when a stunning move was capped by Messi’s delightful chip over the defence for Aguero, who crossed for Higuain to head in at the far post.